Ford discusses cost of legal proceedings with environmental groups

Justice Minister, David Ford has met with representatives from environmental groups to discuss the cost of legal proceedings.

Justice Minister, David Ford has met with representatives from environmental groups to discuss the cost of legal proceedings.

During a meeting with the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and Northern Ireland Environment Link the Minister listened to their concerns about the legal costs of challenging public decisions which may impact on the environment. The meeting followed the Department of Justice’s consultation on proposed changes to existing costs protection scheme for Aarhus Convention cases.

David Ford said: “I believe it is right that members of the public and environmental groups should be able to challenge decisions taken which may impact on the environment without that being prohibitively expensive.

“My purpose in consulting was to ensure that environmental groups and other interested parties had the opportunity to put forward their views on this important issue.  I am sympathetic to the concerns that have been raised and have asked my officials to consider this as they move forward in analysing the responses.” 

Notes to editors: 

1. The Aarhus Convention is a United Nations Convention which, amongst other things, requires that the process for challenging certain decisions concerning the environment must not be prohibitively expensive. This requirement has been incorporated into EU law.
2. The Department of Justice consultation has now closed. View further detail on the key proposals here.
3. A final decision has not yet been made.
4. For all media queries, please contact the DOJ Press Office on 028 9052 6444.  Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715440 and your call will be returned.

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